No Elliott? No problem for Cowboys
Prescott, Bryant connect for quick TD
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant offered a glimpse of how the Dallas Cowboys’ offense could look without Ezekiel Elliott: the second-year star quarterback frequently finding his top receiver.
The Indianapolis Colts are still struggling to see what life without Andrew Luck might be like.
Prescott connected with Bryant for a 32-yard touchdown on their first series of the preseason, 2016 NFL rushing champion Elliott sat again with his six-game suspension looming, and rookie Cooper Rush threw two scoring passes in the Cowboys’ 24-19 exhibition win Saturday night.
Last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after a sensational season that ultimately led 10-year starter Tony Romo into retirement, Prescott was 8 of 9 for 106 yards in his two possessions. The first was a 95-yard drive in seven plays that started with a 23-yard toss to Bryant.
Prescott’s second series ended on a fumble inside Indy’s 10 by Darren McFadden, who started as the Cowboys again delayed Elliott’s exhibition debut.
Elliott has appealed his suspension while disputing the NFL’s findings that he caused bruises on his ex-girlfriend in several confrontations last summer in Ohio.
Owner Jerry Jones said it “wouldn’t surprise me at all” if Elliott played next week’s preseason home game against Oakland, which would likely be his only action before a suspension.
Bryant’s 55 yards receiving held up as the most in the game for the Cowboys.
“I don’t know if I can honestly put it into words just how
much better of a player he is, and we were just talking about how good his body feels,” Prescott said. “He’s just a much better player right now than what he was last year at this time. Our chemistry is growing, so it’s fun.”
Scott Tolzien played the first half for the Colts, who aren’t sure if Luck will be ready for the season after shoulder surgery. Indy didn’t record a first down until early in the second quarter, and its only touchdown before halftime was Lavar Edwards’ 15-yard return of Dallas backup quarterback Kellen Moore’s fumble.
Tolzien led a 60-yard drive to Adam Vinatieri’s 33-yard field goal in the second quarter, highlighted by a 25-yard pass to Kamar Aiken. Tolzien, who is 0-2-1 as an NFL starter, finished 10 of 14 for 70 yards.
“We need to start faster,” said Tolzien, the only one of the three potential backups with NFL experience. “We need to get first downs, which keep the momentum going and get the offensive rhythm going.” Stephen Morris, the third quarterback to play, finally got the Colts an offensive touchdown on an 18-yard throw to Fred Brown with 57 seconds remaining. Morris was 11 of 115 for 111 yards, most of it with Indianapolis down two scores in the fourth.
BEHIND ELLIOTT
McFadden looked like a capable fill-in for Elliott with 59 yards on nine carries, but was stripped by Matthias Farley on his final run late in the first quarter. Alfred Morris, who also figures to see action during Elliott’s suspension, had nine carries for 49 yards. Rod Smith, who has had a strong camp, had 53 yards on seven carries.
FINALLY ON THE FIELD
Dallas linebacker Jaylon Smith, Rod Smith’s younger brother, made his preseason debut in his first game since a knee injury with Notre Dame at the Fiesta Bowl two seasons ago. The Cowboys drafted him in the second round last year.
His only tackle on a short pass forced the second straight three-and-out to start the game for the Colts. “From Day One, I’ve believed in myself, and I thank all the supporters everywhere, even everyone who doubted me,” said Smith, who played 12 snaps.